Organized Sports: “What’s The Right Age To Begin?”

There is a huge market for youth activities through out this
country and many parents feel the pressure and often start developing their children too soon.  There are multiple activities for our youngsters in art, dance, gymnastics, music, and sports.  Everything to toddler aerobics to fitness programs have engulfed our consciousness and many parents are confused as to when and at what age should their child start organized activities.

With so much pressure on keeping up with the Symanskis’ one year old who now is a gym whiz and who began walking at 10 months is too much for a parent to tackle.  But how young is too young?  Some parents take youth activities too far, says Fred Engh, from the National Alliance for Youth Sports and the author of “Why Johnny Hates Sports.”

A lot of children have shown at an early age that they have skills and the desire far more developed than their peers.  But we still need to caution ourselves to not push them beyond the envelope.  There are many youth programs that focus only on child development with light and fun activities for children.  Still, we must remember they are children first with no concept of huge sports contracts, fancy houses and cars which are a direct result of exceptional talent. 

Parents must keep in mind one thought…am I doing this for my child or solely for me?  There truly is a difference and in programs as well.  Structured programs for the very young depend on child and program.  High profile and intense activities that involve drills and practice are not appropriate for toddlers.  But if your child does have the temperament, then feed that desire. 

So parents, her are a few steps to keep in mind…

·        Before beginning your child in any program observe a class of training before enrolling and determine if it’s appropriate for you child’s physical and emotional maturity.

·        Let your child explore his or her own interests and support them by helping them become a part of that activity. Think of years under the age of ten as trial years. 

·        Many professional athletes were told they lacked something at an early age; so don’t get caught up in the Johnny’s going pro syndrome at that early age.

·        Don’t panic if your child appears to be overshadowed on ability at an early age because there are late bloomers among us all.

·        Make sure coaches, instructors and clinicians are competent and trained for the safety of the children.

·        Finally, let them have fun!  Stay out of the way unless you are an involved youth parent and have had the necessary training to participate. 

The bottom line is sports activities and programs for kids should always be fun.  So be careful how far you push them before you push them right out of their motivation and desire to even try.

Preston Dennard